Photovoltaic Lab

Initiator: Olindo Isabella (Faculty of Electrical Engineering) Duration: Developed during COVID-19 for large-scale online learning Platform: Browser-based web application Focus: Physics education, energy systems, serious gaming

The PV Lab was developed to offer accessible, gamified learning for engineering students studying solar energy, batteries, and electrical systems. Built as part of TU Delft’s ProfEd course series, the lab gave users a way to practice tasks traditionally reserved for on-campus laboratories — entirely through a web browser.

The application simulated real experiments such as measuring electrical output, testing solar modules, and observing battery behavior. Through simple point-and-click interactions, students could explore how different components responded under changing conditions — gaining practical understanding without needing to handle real equipment.

One of the strongest features of the PV Lab was its focus on safety and accessibility. Many of the real-life lab tasks involve expensive and potentially hazardous equipment. By offering a virtual first step, the application helped learners build confidence and technical knowledge in a risk-free setting.

Crucially, the PV Lab was designed for global scalability. Since it ran directly in a browser, it could support thousands of users simultaneously — no VR hardware, no installation, no barriers. This made it ideal for massive open online courses (MOOCs) and self-paced learning programs.

By combining pedagogical clarity, intuitive design, and gamification, the PV Lab became a model for how digital tools can democratize technical education, turning complex experiments into approachable and engaging learning experiences.

2020